SRINAGAR: Commencing on Saturday, the grand Amarnath Yatra kicked off with the departure of the first group of devoted pilgrims from the base camp situated here. The mystical cave shrine is nestled amidst the breathtaking South Kashmir Himalayas.

The Deputy Commissioner of Ganderbal, Shyambir, alongside esteemed officials from the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board and the police, enthusiastically flagged off this 62-day spiritual journey from the Baltal base camp.

Baltal, located in the heart of the picturesque Ganderbal district in central Kashmir, serves as one of the twin routes for this annual pilgrimage. The other path lies in the serene Anantnag district of South Kashmir, known as the Pahalgam route.

The pilgrims are now embarking on a sacred 12-kilometer odyssey, commencing from the base camp and leading them towards the revered cave shrine nestled at an altitude of approximately 13,000 feet.

Every aspect of this annual pilgrimage, including security arrangements, has been meticulously organized and is currently in place.

Expressing his wishes for a smooth yatra, Deputy Commissioner Shyambir conveyed that around 6,000 yatris have arrived at the base camp. He also urged the pilgrims to carry their RFID cards while interacting with the press.

Furthermore, Mr. Shyambir highlighted the presence of dedicated volunteers and mountain rescue teams stationed along the route, ready to lend assistance to the yatris whenever required.

The official emphasized that the successful execution of this revered yatra is indebted to the unwavering support of the local community.

In a grand ceremonial gesture, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha of Jammu and Kashmir inaugurated the first batch of 3,488 pilgrims at the Jammu base camp on Friday.

With over three lakh individuals having registered for the pilgrimage so far, security personnel have been meticulously deployed along the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. Stringent measures have been implemented, including the establishment of new security pickets, to ensure the safety of the pilgrims.

This sacred journey shall culminate on August 31, marking the end of this divine quest.

First batch of pilgrims reach Amarnath Yatri Niwas Base Camp

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